tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81046780248088307632018-03-06T18:33:30.293-06:00Knit One Pearl TooSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736224361480333265noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104678024808830763.post-72393916584104493062007-12-19T12:59:00.000-06:002007-12-19T13:28:58.755-06:00No Humdrum in SightThank you so much <a href="http://rococoknits.blogspot.com/">Jenn</a>! My package arrived yesterday and the mittens are absolutely beautiful!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/R2lrH1FPFHI/AAAAAAAAAV8/IWxdt6FTv-0/s1600-h/DSCN0902.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/R2lrH1FPFHI/AAAAAAAAAV8/IWxdt6FTv-0/s400/DSCN0902.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145761831499797618" border="0" /></a><br />The colors are so pretty and great together - I don't think I would have thought to use a variegated yarn with <a href="http://www.eunnyjang.com/knit/2006/12/anemoi_mittens.html">this pattern</a>! The cuffs are a tad tight, but I've worn them a couple of times now and they feel a bit looser already, so I'm hoping with more wear they'll relax. I think the least stretchy part is the cast on, which I'm unfamiliar with. Is it supposed to be so inelastic, or is this a needle issue (I've heard many people have to go up in needle size when using Eunny's patterns)? Either way, I'm in love with them. According to <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/LoudMouthJenn/anemoi-mittens">Jenn's Ravelry page</a>, she used Artyarns Ultramerino 4, and though it's a fingering weight, I'm finding them to be very warm.<br /><br />The rest of the package was filled with goodies too;<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/R2lrIlFPFII/AAAAAAAAAWE/V-lgsjXUj70/s1600-h/DSCN0903.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/R2lrIlFPFII/AAAAAAAAAWE/V-lgsjXUj70/s400/DSCN0903.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145761844384699522" border="0" /></a><br />Two balls each of Elsebeth Lavold Classic AL in white and teal to make Kate Gilbert's <a href="http://www.kategilbert.com/ms_birdinhand.html">Bird in Hand Mittens</a>, some Eucalan wash, some fancy Italian hand lotion, a knitting key chain(!), and some yummy treats, along with a very nice note. I'm so excited about the Bird in the Hand mittens and can't wait to make them!<br /><br />Everything is just so great and I'm so glad I took part in <a href="http://mittenswap1.blogspot.com/">the swap</a>. <a href="http://debsboringlife.blogspot.com/">Deb</a> is getting ready to host <a href="http://mittenswap2.blogspot.com/">another round</a>, and while I'm not sure if I'm going to take part (there's too many other things I want to knit before it gets warm again), but I had the best time getting to know Jenn and my other partner and I would recommend the swap to anyone looking for something a little different. We all deserve fancy mittens! Thank you so much!!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736224361480333265noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104678024808830763.post-82847326041766618662007-12-17T12:07:00.001-06:002007-12-17T12:37:56.272-06:00FO: Mittens From LaplandEvery year it seems like December goes by even faster. This year I'm scrambling to get everything done, not to mention working and getting enough sleep! I've been behind in the blogging lately, and I've missed it, but the lack of sunlight so far this winter is sure putting a damper on photo ops.<br /><br />Here are the mittens in action. Pardon my cheesy hand position:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/R2a77VFPFEI/AAAAAAAAAVk/83s2jEga5Po/s1600-h/DSCN0895.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/R2a77VFPFEI/AAAAAAAAAVk/83s2jEga5Po/s400/DSCN0895.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145006252263150658" border="0" /></a><br />These were probably the most enjoyable thing I've knit in awhile, I think mostly because the color changes were constantly pushing me on; instead of "just one more row," it was "let me get to the next pattern!"<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/R2a771FPFFI/AAAAAAAAAVs/UTWMyLlYVPY/s1600-h/DSCN0901.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/R2a771FPFFI/AAAAAAAAAVs/UTWMyLlYVPY/s400/DSCN0901.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145006260853085266" border="0" /></a><br />This picture is especially bad, and I apologize. The sun and snow didn't come until after I'd already shipped them off to my secret swap partner for the <a href="http://mittenswap1.blogspot.com/">No More Humdrum Mittens Swap</a>. I don't think she's trolling the blogs for hints on who her partner is, but I'll save her identity for another time. I sent these beauties (I'm pretty sad to let them go!) with some other goodies and hopefully they'll be keeping her hands warm very soon. As for the details:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern:</span> <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mittens-from-lapland">Mittens from Lapland</a>, from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/1883010349/104-3040508-2605536?SubscriptionId=1YZR91QYB6WCG3PM78G2">Folk Mittens</a> by Marcia Lewandowski.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn:</span> Cascade 220 Heathers in colors 2423 (light blue) and 2427 (red), plus some vintage Bernat worsted wool in Winter White.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Needles:</span> Susan Bates metal DPNs in size 2 throughout.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Modifications: </span>None, though I think my gauge might have been slightly smaller than in the pattern. The mittens turned out perfect for my hands, though more snug than other mittens I've had in the past. I hope they turn out as well for the recipient. The gauge issue might have been caused by the stranding (which I now realize I missed taking a picture of - what a bad blogger I am!), but I paid close attention to it while knitting. Like I said, they were perfect for me and hopefully they'll be fine for their new owner as well.<br /><br />I would definitely make these mittens again. They were quick, interesting, and pretty inexpensive. I have my eyes on a few other patters in the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/1883010349/104-3040508-2605536?SubscriptionId=1YZR91QYB6WCG3PM78G2">Folk Mittens</a> book, as well as the plethora of other mitten patterns available online (check out out the side bar of the swap page if you're looking for some, both free and non-free).<br /><br />Now I just have to wait for my mittens!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736224361480333265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104678024808830763.post-17904575602967831772007-11-29T12:11:00.000-06:002007-11-29T12:26:57.888-06:00One DownIf they gave out prizes for the bloggers who completely ignored NaBloPoMo (a No Blog Posting Month, or NoBloPoMo, if you will), I just might win that one. I'm sorry for my unannounced absence that lasted longer than a month (I can hardly believe it!). Things were just piling up, one on top of another, and I could hardly find the time to think much less knit and write about it.<br /><br />Student teaching is finished now, which is a huge accomplishment for me. The last day of school was a bittersweet one. I'll definitely miss the kids and it's weird not to be in school right now (though I am enjoying getting up a bit later!). Now I'm working my way through the holiday season: if you need a book recommendation, I'm your girl! Anyway, between finishing teaching, finishing all my homework <span style="font-style: italic;">about</span> teaching, Thanksgiving, and starting work, knitting time has been a bit scarce. I'm hoping to do some more in the coming weeks though, especially now that it's getting really cold.<br /><br />I did manage to finish the first of my <a href="http://mittenswap1.blogspot.com/">Mitten Swap</a> mittens:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/R08CpEmO--I/AAAAAAAAAVA/jYUnm6d_3VE/s1600-h/DSCN0888.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/R08CpEmO--I/AAAAAAAAAVA/jYUnm6d_3VE/s400/DSCN0888.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138328604485024738" border="0" /></a><br />This is the mitten (soon to be mittens, of course) from Lapland from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Folk-Mittens-Techniques-Patterns-Handknitted/dp/1883010349/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b/002-2201665-5876053">Folk Mittens</a>, and I absolutely love it. I sure hope my partner does too.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/R08Cp0mO-_I/AAAAAAAAAVI/whZ5g85xbj0/s1600-h/DSCN0889.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/R08Cp0mO-_I/AAAAAAAAAVI/whZ5g85xbj0/s400/DSCN0889.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138328617369926642" border="0" /></a><br />I've already cast on for the second one (not giving myself a chance to forget about it), and hopefully it'll go quickly. The pattern actually moves very fast because all the color changes make you want to keep knitting until the next one.<br /><br />I'm also working on a super secret project for Christmas. I wonder if I can keep Guy from reading the blog so I can show you what it is. If not, I'll be able to show you the FO, which, I've just noticed, hasn't happened for awhile around here. It's so good to be back with you all, so I'll try my hardest to actually finish something!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736224361480333265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104678024808830763.post-87192674759795956822007-10-21T13:39:00.001-05:002007-10-21T14:06:58.681-05:00DROPs and MittensThe days are just flying by lately. This fall has been one of the busiest I can remember, so forgive me if posting is a little unpredictable. I'm down to the final few weeks of student teaching, so hopefully I can stay strong and get everything done and then things will calm down a bit.<br /><br />This fall has also been a strange one weather wise - two weekends so far in October with 80 degree temperatures?! It sure isn't helping me keep on track with the beautiful <a href="http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/visoppskrift.php?d_nr=103&amp;d_id=1">Drops Jacket</a>. So far I've finished the back and one front and I'm about half way with the second front piece.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RxudvhZmBoI/AAAAAAAAAUw/4e-IhX8hy90/s1600-h/DSCN0873.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RxudvhZmBoI/AAAAAAAAAUw/4e-IhX8hy90/s400/DSCN0873.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123862440809203330" border="0" /></a><br />This was supposed to be my quick, easy knit to keep me warm. Now, since the air is keeping me warm all by itself, I've gotten a bit lazy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RxudwRZmBpI/AAAAAAAAAU4/-w055CNndlI/s1600-h/DSCN0876.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RxudwRZmBpI/AAAAAAAAAU4/-w055CNndlI/s400/DSCN0876.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123862453694105234" border="0" /></a><br />I will finish this beauty, but it might take a blast of cold air to get me back on track...<br /><br /><br />In other news, I got my partner for the <a href="http://mittenswap1.blogspot.com/">Mitten Exchange</a>! I'm super excited about this swap and my partner's color preferences and the prospect for a very nice package in the near future. So excited, that I cast on pretty much immediately and quite a bit to show for it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RxuduRZmBmI/AAAAAAAAAUg/0NaB0afMXS8/s1600-h/DSCN0871.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RxuduRZmBmI/AAAAAAAAAUg/0NaB0afMXS8/s400/DSCN0871.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123862419334366818" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a dragover="true" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RxudvBZmBnI/AAAAAAAAAUo/Uh5ShwV4wOg/s1600-h/DSCN0872.JPG"><img dragover="true" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RxudvBZmBnI/AAAAAAAAAUo/Uh5ShwV4wOg/s400/DSCN0872.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123862432219268722" border="0" /></a><br />This is mitten number one (of course), using the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mittens-from-lapland">Mittens from Lapland</a> pattern from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/1883010349/002-3061282-6630406?SubscriptionId=1YZR91QYB6WCG3PM78G2">Folk Mittens</a> by Marcia Lewandowski (a beautiful book if you're looking for interesting mittens). I'm using Cascade 220 and size 2 DPNs, but it's turning out to be quick, pretty easy, and so interesting because the color patterns change so frequently. The only thing that is slowing me down a bit are the rounds where all three colors are used. I haven't figured out an efficient way to hold all three yarns yet. Any suggestions?<br /><br />And to my Mitten Pal - I'm so glad you're as excited about this project as I am and that I could oblige with the color choices! That's so cool that we have things in common - I hope a lot of us in the swap will make some friends! Anyway, I would have to say my favorite artist is Cezanne because of all the advances he made for modern art, but I'm also a pretty big fan of Andy Warhol, Edward Hopper, Neil Jenney, and Dana Schutz. Feel free to email me if you have anymore questions!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736224361480333265noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104678024808830763.post-33318337194231843552007-10-08T16:45:00.000-05:002007-10-08T16:57:24.278-05:00A Day OffToday's Columbus Day for those in the U.S., so I celebrated by having a day off of school, sleeping in, watching some trashy court shows on TV, knitting, eating a warm lunch for once, reading, knitting, and cleaning (not much progress with the cleaning, so I'll spare you the photos from it).<br /><br /><br /><a dragover="true" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RwqmJBZmBlI/AAAAAAAAAUY/Cy4qTMZ3ehs/s1600-h/DSCN0861.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RwqmJBZmBlI/AAAAAAAAAUY/Cy4qTMZ3ehs/s400/DSCN0861.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119086600384808530" border="0" /></a><br />The Easy Flame Lace Scarf is coming along, though to you it doesn't look much different than before. I promise it's longer. I'm loving the pattern and the yarn (Laceweight Malabrigo) since the pattern is ridiculously easy and yarn feels like butter, but the Susan Bates metal needles I'm using are holding me back. After awhile of knitting it all just feels tight and metallic - yuck. I'm not sure why this happens after knitting for some time (maybe I just don't notice it at first?), but I'm taking some breaks and trying to get through it.<br /><br /><br /><a dragover="true" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RwqmIBZmBkI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/su4aisHpSkU/s1600-h/DSCN0858.JPG"><img dragover="true" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RwqmIBZmBkI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/su4aisHpSkU/s400/DSCN0858.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119086583204939330" border="0" /></a><br />And I love this stuff so much that I bought another couple of skeins. I'm not sure yet if I'll make more Easy Flames or not, but they sure are pretty to look at, no?Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736224361480333265noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104678024808830763.post-15238118855906514372007-10-06T23:57:00.000-05:002007-10-07T00:05:54.494-05:00Too Hot to KnitWhile it seems like fall has come to the rest of the country, the Midwest is still definitely in summer. I suppose that gives me some time to finish up the jacket, but the piles of wool are just too much right now.<br /><br />I found <a href="http://metaatem.net/words/">this</a> instead:<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/43522628@N00/1423577120" id="fs_1" title="&quot;m&quot;"><img alt="m" title="m" src="http://static.flickr.com/1347/1423577120_85c668adf6_s.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/95229107@N00/1106429415" id="fs_2" title="A"><img alt="A" src="http://static.flickr.com/1162/1106429415_a7cfe88ee1_s.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49968232@N00/483692010" id="fs_3" title="K"><img alt="K" src="http://static.flickr.com/217/483692010_2a272cd08b_s.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/97245938@N00/1153439576" id="fs_4" title="e_McElman_070716_2345"><img alt="e_McElman_070716_2345" src="http://static.flickr.com/1015/1153439576_3ef32e0837_s.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92745470@N00/1305493809" id="fs_6" title="A"><img alt="A" src="http://static.flickr.com/1041/1305493809_28ddac94be_s.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/97245938@N00/1153421318" id="fs_7" title="&quot;R_McElman_070717_2639&quot;"><img alt="R_McElman_070717_2639" title="R_McElman_070717_2639" src="http://static.flickr.com/1227/1153421318_a7b3508a3b_s.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49968232@N00/543775604" id="fs_8" title="&quot;T&quot;"><img alt="T" title="T" src="http://static.flickr.com/1004/543775604_1c22c5f7c6_s.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49968232@N00/521176487" id="fs_10" title="N"><img alt="N" src="http://static.flickr.com/199/521176487_a97ad6b396_s.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/13837493@N00/1489984935" id="fs_11" title="O"><img alt="O" src="http://static.flickr.com/1386/1489984935_144fe26e03_s.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/95229107@N00/525116129" id="fs_12" title="T"><img alt="T" src="http://static.flickr.com/210/525116129_7ecfcdb644_s.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49968232@N00/521096674" id="fs_14" title="W"><img alt="W" src="http://static.flickr.com/236/521096674_588cd93c23_s.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92745470@N00/873007302" id="fs_15" title="&quot;A&quot;"><img alt="A" title="A" src="http://static.flickr.com/1198/873007302_ef5e7b0d6a_s.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92745470@N00/763864636" id="fs_16" title="R"><img alt="R" src="http://static.flickr.com/1403/763864636_b5a2447996_s.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /> <br /> </span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /> </span><br /><br />Have a great rest of the weekend!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736224361480333265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104678024808830763.post-8042041805279189872007-10-04T22:14:00.000-05:002007-10-04T22:25:27.932-05:00Easy PeasyTuesday and Wednesday were busy and hard. A bad day followed by a busy day of picking up the pieces. Nothing too dramatic or interesting, but they didn't leave any room for blogging or even knitting (and I think I'm pretty good at finding the spare moment to knit!).<br /><br />But today was better. School is going well and I'm really excited about what is happening and what will happen.<br /><br />The Easy Flame Scarf is exciting as well:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RwWt4hZmBjI/AAAAAAAAAUI/-OAUMz299Dk/s1600-h/DSCN0851.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RwWt4hZmBjI/AAAAAAAAAUI/-OAUMz299Dk/s400/DSCN0851.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117687738126435890" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I'm loving the pattern and just how easy it really is, and the laceweight Malabrigo is amazing, but these tiny needles and yarn sure are making this thing last awhile. I can't wait for it to be done because I know it'll be beautiful, but the Drops jacket is carrying me away with it's quickness.<br /><br />The days are getting shorter all the time, but this weekend promises to almost set a record for high temperatures, so I'll try to stick with the scarf for now. A nice little scarf is much better quasi summer knitting than a huge pile of chunky yarn anyway. Even if I could finish that sucker in a couple of hours if I tried. I'll try not to think about it as I toil away.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736224361480333265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104678024808830763.post-50401155068009012482007-10-01T19:56:00.001-05:002007-10-01T20:26:38.245-05:00Knit Faster, Fall is ComingToday was just one of those days. It rained all night, was still dark and cloudy when I left for work, and was cold enough that I felt unprepared in my little fine gauge store bought cardigan (that secretly, or not so secretly is a little too small for me now). Just one of those days.<br /><br />What's the remedy? The jacket that's sweeping blogland, finally reaching home sweet home right here. That's right, the <a href="http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/visoppskrift.php?d_nr=103&amp;d_id=1">Drops jacket</a>!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RwGcnhZmBfI/AAAAAAAAATs/ylRZ02T_H-4/s1600-h/DSCN0836.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RwGcnhZmBfI/AAAAAAAAATs/ylRZ02T_H-4/s400/DSCN0836.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116542854464144882" border="0" /></a><br />I finished the whole back today, which is awesome and definitely a bit of a boost. Who says knitting has to take forever?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RwGcoBZmBgI/AAAAAAAAAT0/UM8dxSjp9Tg/s1600-h/DSCN0835.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RwGcoBZmBgI/AAAAAAAAAT0/UM8dxSjp9Tg/s400/DSCN0835.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116542863054079490" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RwGcoRZmBhI/AAAAAAAAAT8/RyNx8mIDmas/s1600-h/DSCN0837.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RwGcoRZmBhI/AAAAAAAAAT8/RyNx8mIDmas/s400/DSCN0837.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116542867349046802" border="0" /></a><br />I'm sorry about the horrible pictures. The shorter days and generally rainy-ness along with a camera shy sweater make for frustrating photo shoots. I ordered the "true navy" colorway of Laines du Nord Soft Light, but this is the blackest navy I have ever seen. Definitely much darker than the picture online. Not a huge deal as I think I look okay in black (maybe even better than yellow, wink wink), just not what I was expecting.<br /><br />The sweater might be done by the end of the week, which would rock my socks <span style="font-style: italic;">and</span> keep me prepared for the next cold front, so hopefully I'll have some better photos soon. Cross your fingers!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736224361480333265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104678024808830763.post-37599800223404042152007-09-30T19:31:00.001-05:002007-09-30T19:51:56.584-05:00Deep BreathsThe past two weeks have just flown by. School is very very busy and taking up a lot of my time. I'm having fun with it, but it's not good for blogging! Thankfully, since I'm teaching art, at least part of my day is making something and helping the kids make things (even if it's not of the yarn variety).<br /><br />This week was unusually tough because of a bad cold I picked up somewhere, plus it was Homecoming week at school, meaning lots of activities were planned to keep me busy. Anyway, I spent most of this weekend resting, catching up on grading, and knitting a little something:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RwBBpRZmBeI/AAAAAAAAATk/KBx7r688N_0/s1600-h/DSCN0829.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RwBBpRZmBeI/AAAAAAAAATk/KBx7r688N_0/s400/DSCN0829.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116161353994077666" border="0" /></a><br />This is my <a href="http://www.knitandtonic.typepad.com/EasyFlameLaceScarf.pdf">Easy Flame Lace Scarf</a> from Wendy Bernard, and it looks suspiciously just like hers, but I was gifted the Malabrigo Lace for my birthday and I didn't intend to copy her shamelessly. The pattern is great and easy to memorize, making this a great on the go project. I might be about half way right now and I'm hoping to finish it before it gets much colder. I might save this for a Christmas present too.<br /><br />I hope you all had a good weekend, it's almost Monday! I'm going to try to post every day this week to get myself out of this posting slump I've found myself in. Some days I look around and wonder, why would anyone care about <span style="font-style: italic;">this</span>? But I've learned that when I look for beauty and interesting things in my life, I usually find them. I'll put that to the test in the next few days. Wish me luck!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736224361480333265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104678024808830763.post-75165298194394900192007-09-17T20:22:00.001-05:002007-09-17T20:34:35.443-05:00Recovering, or, At Least Trying ToI had a beautiful weekend, after a somewhat trying week. I took over teaching some classes and I'm liking the kids and the projects a lot, but they're all taking a lot out of me and it's all I can do not to fall into bed right after getting home (hence the lack of pictures, sorry. I'll try harder tomorrow). But the kids are good and I'm excited about what they're learning and making, so it's all worth it.<br /><br />Anyway, the weekend. I went out of town to visit some friends after school on Friday, where I had dinner with Guy and saw the apartment I will move into in January. On Saturday we all slept in (and inadvertently missed the Farmer's Market), but then I went to a barbecue, where the weather was perfect, and then went to a party later that night. Sunday I traveled home and took a nap after all the excitement. And now it's back to school again! It's funny how fast time is moving these days.<br /><br />As for knitting, I have startitis. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a> and the <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall07/index.html">new Knitty</a> aren't helping. I absolutely love <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall07/PATThenry.html">Henry</a> and <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall07/PATTtotallyautumn.html">Totally Autumn</a>, and <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall07/PATTurchin.html">Urchin</a> and <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall07/PATTgreenjeans.html">Mr. Greenjeans</a> have definite possibilities. I love the neck detail on <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall07/PATTneiman.html">Neiman</a>, but I'd change the fit of the whole thing. I could've passed on <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall07/PATTflowerpower.html">the constipated baby with an ill-fitting hat</a>, but <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall07/PATTwoodins.html">the toys</a> are unbelievably cute.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736224361480333265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104678024808830763.post-48633147578904287732007-09-11T19:38:00.000-05:002007-09-11T19:48:11.720-05:00An FO of a Different FlavorAs fall continues (or, I guess, as summer comes to a real close), the days seem to be going by faster and faster. Student teaching is taking a lot out of me, and there hasn't been much knitting to speak of in the last few days. I'm at school all day and then my nights are full of writing lessons, doing assignments for my professor, and <a href="http://www.nbc.com/The_Office/">The Office</a>. Is anyone else super excited to have <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Office-Season-Three-Rainn-Wilson/dp/B000SINT4S/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-7502502-7679936?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&amp;qid=1189557811&sr=8-1">season 3 on DVD</a>?<br /><br />Anyway, I finished something else recently:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/Ruc2K2j3gpI/AAAAAAAAAS8/adG4L8lG3F4/s1600-h/DSCN0827.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/Ruc2K2j3gpI/AAAAAAAAAS8/adG4L8lG3F4/s400/DSCN0827.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109111862347661970" border="0" /></a><br />It's the easy beach quilt from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Denyse-Schmidt-Quilts-Colorful-Patchwork/dp/0811844420/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-7502502-7679936?ie=UTF8&s=books&amp;qid=1189557519&sr=8-1">Denyse Schmidt's Quilts</a> and it was so fast that I didn't have time to blog about it! It's pretty much two large rectangles put together with a small strip in the middle, but I absolutely love it. I especially like the wave quilting: if it's a beach quilt might as well go all out right?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/Ruc2Lmj3gqI/AAAAAAAAATE/y1AoHSic90U/s1600-h/DSCN0826.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/Ruc2Lmj3gqI/AAAAAAAAATE/y1AoHSic90U/s400/DSCN0826.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109111875232563874" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/Ruc2MGj3grI/AAAAAAAAATM/JLXE_PzHkJI/s1600-h/DSCN0823.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/Ruc2MGj3grI/AAAAAAAAATM/JLXE_PzHkJI/s400/DSCN0823.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109111883822498482" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/Ruc2NGj3gsI/AAAAAAAAATU/wtMpeFd1XfU/s1600-h/DSCN0825.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/Ruc2NGj3gsI/AAAAAAAAATU/wtMpeFd1XfU/s400/DSCN0825.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109111901002367682" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/Ruc2Nmj3gtI/AAAAAAAAATc/wRSvbpo2wmc/s1600-h/DSCN0822.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/Ruc2Nmj3gtI/AAAAAAAAATc/wRSvbpo2wmc/s400/DSCN0822.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109111909592302290" border="0" /></a><br />Nothing too fancy with the fabric or anything, just some plain Jane solids with a couple of cool prints for the strip. It's definitely coming in handy now that the weather is getting cooler. Happy fall!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736224361480333265noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104678024808830763.post-88602566672085369592007-09-03T12:17:00.000-05:002007-09-03T12:42:29.481-05:00Mitten Swap QuestionnaireI've decided to take part in the <a href="http://mittenswap1.blogspot.com/">No More Humdrum Mitten Swap</a> (my first swap ever), and I'm super excited about it! Hopefully I'll get to create something great and make a new friend in the process.<br /><br />Anyway, here's the questionnaire I have to fill out:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. How long have you been knitting and how did you learn? </span>I've been knitting for about 10 years, though when I first learned and through middle and high school I would knit only in spurts. Now I knit all the time. I first learned from my mother, a bit from my grandmother, then I took a beginner class, and the rest I've learned from books.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate, or advanced? </span>I would consider myself pretty advanced because I understand the knitting process, but there are some things I haven't tried yet.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. What are your favorite colors? Any you dislike? </span>I love pretty much all colors, but I especially like reds, oranges, blues, greens, and purples. Bright and rich colors are best.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Do you like Latvian type patterns? If so, what are your favorite patterns? </span>I do like the Latvian mittens I have seen, and I think Lisbeth Upitis' book of Latvian patterns is great, but I can't link to any specific favorites.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. Do you desire mittens yourself, your "special someone else" or your child? </span>I definitely want mittens for myself.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">6. What other things do you enjoy knitting? </span>I'm in a sweater kick right now, but I also like making blankets and smaller accessories.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">7. What sort of needles do you enjoy working with? (straights vs. circs, bamboo vs. aluminum) </span>I definitely prefer circs over straights, but it depends on what I'm making if I prefer bamboo or aluminum. Since getting my Denise set though, most of my knitting has been with them, and they are plastic.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">8. What's one project you've not yet tried but are dying to make? </span>First, I really want to make a sweater with a short row shawl collar, but I'm also really interested in making more fair isle or equally complex mittens and hats.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">9. What's one yarn you've not yet tried but are dying to work with? </span>I've never tried any Rowan or any kind of cashmere and I would really like to.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">10. What other hobbies do you have? Do you spin? Sew? Garden? Cook? </span>I also paint and lately I've gotten into a bit of quilting. I also dabble in sewing and would like to learn to cook.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">11. Besides yarn, do you collect anything? </span>I have a little collection of postcards, but I'm also a big fan of magnets and maps.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">12. What kind of goodies do you enjoy? Sweets? Salty? Anything you ate or are allergic to? </span>I love love love dark chocolate and anything sweet. I'm not a huge fan of almonds or other nuts in cookies or chocolate, but I like them peanuts and cashews by themselves.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">13. Do you have any kids? Pets? </span>No kids, but my family has a Golden Retriever.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />14. What is your favorite part of Winter? </span>Christmas, especially Christmas lights, sledding, and getting to wear more sweaters.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">15. What is your least favorite part of Winter? </span>Driving in the snow and the shorter days.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736224361480333265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104678024808830763.post-61739393322685947432007-09-02T22:38:00.000-05:002007-09-02T22:57:56.282-05:00Rusted Root on a Long WeekendMy first week of school went well, and though I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed, I think it will be a rewarding experience. I will definitely learn a lot in the next few weeks, and lucky you guys will get to hear about it!<br /><br />On the knitting front though, I finally wore my Rusted Root today.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RtuCuWj3gmI/AAAAAAAAASk/CpmXMGp8DeU/s1600-h/DSCN0819.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RtuCuWj3gmI/AAAAAAAAASk/CpmXMGp8DeU/s400/DSCN0819.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105818335396201058" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern:</span> <a href="http://www.zephyrstyle.com/catalog/item.cfm/2367447/3289215">Rusted Root</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn:</span> Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece, 3 skeins, Butter Cream colorway<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Needles:</span> Denise size 5 circs<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Modifications:</span> I just love how the top down construction of this sweater allowed for some very easy mods, like adding some increases under the arms after the sleeve stitches were set aside, creating some bust darts to accommodate, well, the bust, and then increasing at the waist so the cop would sit nicely around my hips.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RtuCu2j3gnI/AAAAAAAAASs/Yx6_xXlxxfc/s1600-h/DSCN0820.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RtuCu2j3gnI/AAAAAAAAASs/Yx6_xXlxxfc/s400/DSCN0820.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105818343986135666" border="0" /></a><br />Adding these increases put me very close to running out of yarn as I explained <a href="http://knitonepearltoo.blogspot.com/2007/08/birthday-flowers.html">here</a>, but I think it was worth it to have a better fitting top. My only real complaint is in my worrying about actually finishing with the yarn I had, I bound off a little too tightly on the sleeves. I'm not sure if that comes through on the picture or not.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RtuCvGj3goI/AAAAAAAAAS0/JGHbK_ihY0A/s1600-h/DSCN0821.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RtuCvGj3goI/AAAAAAAAAS0/JGHbK_ihY0A/s400/DSCN0821.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105818348281102978" border="0" /></a><br />And to be honest, the lace panel gave me a little problem at the beginning, but it was my fault for not following the directions closely enough. I think this was mostly due to not having a chart to follow, but as I went along I became more comfortable with it, and I really like how the leaves came out.<br /><br />I need an honest opinion though: is this color just not for me? My mom insists it's fine, but I just don't know. And looking at the picture, I'm not sure the fit is even the best. What do you guys think?<br /><br />Have a great rest of the long weekend! I know I'll definitely be making the most of my day off.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736224361480333265noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104678024808830763.post-39686332783702738602007-08-27T16:01:00.000-05:002007-08-27T16:23:23.475-05:00Powering UpPower came back on late yesterday. I am so so happy. I can finally shower in the light (my house's only full shower is in the basement), I can do laundry, and I can keep things cold in the fridge again. Losing power for so long makes you grateful, both for when it comes back, and that you didn't lose things like water or phone service. Thanks so much for all your concern. Even though living without electricity for so long was tough, others had it much much worse. I saw a story on the news the other day about a couple in Ohio trying to pull off their wedding in the midst of massive flooding, while I was here trying to keep the freezer from melting all over the floor. I do think it's pretty funny though, that TV news reporters give advice for those still without power, like how to protect your food or how to contact the utility. C'mon now. The power is <span style="font-style: italic;">out</span> and much as we'd like it otherwise, that includes the TV.<br /><br />Anyway, I finished the yolk part of the Somewhat Cowl, meaning (I think I've got the terminology right) I've put the sleeve stitches on stitch holders, which is making the rows shorter. Not that I'm complaining of course, I'm loving this project with miles and miles of stockinette. I need a project like that every once in awhile.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RtM8_2j3glI/AAAAAAAAASc/JOf8a6c3oIk/s1600-h/DSCN0818.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RtM8_2j3glI/AAAAAAAAASc/JOf8a6c3oIk/s400/DSCN0818.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103489870416282194" border="0" /></a><br />I spent a lot of time on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a> this weekend, and goodness, is it a gem. I can't wait to keep exploring this site because I keep finding things that just make me excited about knitting again. Like the designer profiles. Click through them and I promise you'll find some awesome patterns you didn't even know were out there.<br /><br />Bonus surprise: I found out my own pattern, <a href="http://knitonepearltoo.blogspot.com/2007/02/heartwarmers.html">Heartwarmers</a>, is already on there. Crazy!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736224361480333265noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104678024808830763.post-39871484429136783662007-08-25T14:33:00.001-05:002007-08-25T15:00:18.103-05:00A Bit of ChangeChange seems to be my operative word for this week. I began student teaching on Wednesday (institute days at least, which are so far filled with meetings, speeches, and organizing the classroom), which is a HUGE change for me, but the school is also experiencing some changes like a new principal and bell schedule.<br /><br />The biggest change though, looks like this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RtCFumj3gjI/AAAAAAAAASM/V5nZQ7pZ7fQ/s1600-h/DSCN0812.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RtCFumj3gjI/AAAAAAAAASM/V5nZQ7pZ7fQ/s400/DSCN0812.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5102725413482234418" border="0" /></a><br />As most of you have probably heard by now, most of the Midwest as been having some strange weather in the past couple of weeks, but a string of massive storms ripped through all of Northern Illinois on Thursday, leaving very large trees and power lines laying on the ground like twigs. There's no real damage to my house, but we're on day 3 so far without any power. I'm hoping it will be back tomorrow, but no real promises. Whole neighborhoods and towns around here are dark. A weird sight, to be sure.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RtCFvGj3gkI/AAAAAAAAASU/yGiLAbcBRl0/s1600-h/DSCN0814.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RtCFvGj3gkI/AAAAAAAAASU/yGiLAbcBRl0/s400/DSCN0814.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5102725422072169026" border="0" /></a>Right now though, I'm hanging out in a cafe with free WiFi, trying to catch up on everything. The Somewhat Cowl is coming along nicely, and is a little greener than the picture shows. Every time I start a new top-down raglan I'm impressed all over with how simple and beautiful this technique is. So easy to execute but also such a great way to ensure a great fit.<br /><br />Yikes, I better get back to it while daylight allows!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736224361480333265noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104678024808830763.post-25607380913794928112007-08-21T10:55:00.000-05:002007-08-21T11:38:22.833-05:00Perseverance<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RssLhmj3ghI/AAAAAAAAAR8/dPV3JAZG1ek/s1600-h/DSCN0804.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RssLhmj3ghI/AAAAAAAAAR8/dPV3JAZG1ek/s400/DSCN0804.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5101183674841793042" border="0" /></a><br />You wouldn't think that a few little washcloths would take this long, but like it or not, I still have three more to go. How is it that with all the time I've spent making the rounds in the doctor's, dentist's, and optometrist's offices that I'm not done with these yet? The stitch patterns are interesting, and I'm looking forward to having the complete set, but the 100% cotton yarn is a bit hard on the hands. Actually, a lot hard on the hands after half an hour or so. It always seems to go like that, the little things take forever (the Roomie's mittens, for example) while the big things, like a full size sweater in fingering weight yarn, just breeze by. A knitting mystery, perhaps?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RssLiWj3giI/AAAAAAAAASE/LZlgrDBhIrA/s1600-h/DSCN0808.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RssLiWj3giI/AAAAAAAAASE/LZlgrDBhIrA/s400/DSCN0808.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5101183687726694946" border="0" /></a><br />And with such a tough assignment, I needed something to balance it out. Here's the beginning of my Somewhat Cowl: another beautiful sweater in another beautiful color I'm not sure will work on me. The yarn is delicious though, so it's definitely a nice break from the cotton. I'm a little nervous about some of the reports from <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/somewhat-cowl/people">Ravelry</a>, though. Most people ended up ripping theirs at some point, and more than half of those who finished aren't happy with how it turned out. I'm wondering what the problem is, as the reasons vary among knitters. We'll have to see I suppose.<br /><br />Sorry about the picture quality; it's been raining for days with no real hope of sun anytime soon. This is about as good as it'll get. Though bad for pictures, the rain is bringing some great cooler weather. Can't wait for fall!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736224361480333265noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104678024808830763.post-59165990407612827332007-08-15T20:32:00.001-05:002007-08-15T21:05:54.859-05:00Hello AgainSorry for the long absence, the time sure is flying around here this summer. Plus, as many of you are experiencing also, it's been uncomfortably hot. My house doesn't have air conditioning, so that combined with just finishing the <a href="http://www.zephyrstyle.com/catalog/item.cfm/2367447/3289215">Rusted Root</a> (I promise there's a proper post coming about it with pretty pictures and everything, but I need to find a place where it can dry after a good blocking; something that will take at least a couple of days given the humidity) led me to a quite a few days in a row without any knitting at all!<br /><br />It's cooled off a bit around here and I'm working on a couple of smaller things, namely <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall06/PATTbacktoschool.html">Back to School</a> for my sister, who, incidentally, is going off to college for the first time.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RsOq12j3gfI/AAAAAAAAARs/Qx9ruC507y0/s1600-h/DSCN0797.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RsOq12j3gfI/AAAAAAAAARs/Qx9ruC507y0/s400/DSCN0797.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5099107045269275122" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I made a whole bunch of washcloths last summer (the perfect summer knitting project, I think), spurred on by <a href="http://masondixonknitting.com/">Ann and Kay</a> and their love of the ballband warshcloth. While they advocate using them for dishes and in place of paper towels, I found I used them more as facial clothes, which I think is what these are meant for. Anyway, I really liked using mine while at school, so hopefully my sister will enjoy these while she's so far away from home.<br /><br />I've also been inspired by both some birthday yarn and the new Interweave Knits magazine, which I picked up yesterday. There are some beautiful projects in that one! I'm so excited to see the direction that <a href="http://eunnyjang.com/knit/">Eunny</a> is going to take the magazine. Below is the birthday stash (clockwise from top): some Trekking XXL, Malabrigo laceweight (which I think might be the exact same color <a href="http://knitandtonic.typepad.com/knitandtonic/2007/08/i-feel-sorta-ch.html">Wendy</a> has just whipped a pattern together for - score!), some Cascade Ecological Wool, and then some Blue Sky Alpacas Alpaca and Silk for Wendy's <a href="http://knitandtonic.typepad.com/knitandtonic/2005/12/the_somewhat_co.html">Somewhat Cowl</a>. Just looking at it all makes me excited for all the fall knitting in my future.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RsOq2Gj3ggI/AAAAAAAAAR0/m5JGbPpRBKU/s1600-h/DSCN0802.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RsOq2Gj3ggI/AAAAAAAAAR0/m5JGbPpRBKU/s400/DSCN0802.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5099107049564242434" border="0" /></a><br />And speaking of Wendy (twice now), I loved her post today about the use of the term "muggle" to speak of a non-knitter or someone who doesn't "believe" in knitting the way some knitters do. I think this is mostly being made popular by the <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/">Yarn Harlot</a>, but I think it's a bit disturbing. Creating a name for a group of people seems to also create a us versus them mentality, that I don't think is helpful to bringing more people to the craft or bringing acceptance to people that knit (especially in public). While I know it started out of good fun, I find it very judgmental and condescending, implying that knitting is the best hobby for <span style="font-style: italic;">everyone</span>, regardless of personal preference. I've also seen this happen with vegetarians judging the food choices of those around them, and since I'm a vegetarian a lot of people have expected me to yell at them for eating meat. They seem surprised when I say that I've made their choice and they've made theirs, so why get all upset about it? In a way, I think this whole muggle thing is sort of the same way. There is so much pulling people apart these days that this needless labeling doesn't do any good, and I believe actually does some harm. I sure wouldn't want to be treated like a "muggle" by someone, no matter what the activity was. I don't really understand extreme fandom, or people who love manga comics, or people who love cats more than anything, and that's cool. We don't all have to be the same. We just have to respect each other.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736224361480333265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104678024808830763.post-36725824133012302652007-08-03T17:23:00.000-05:002007-08-03T17:35:18.811-05:00Birthday FlowersAren't they wonderful?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RrOruRwRz0I/AAAAAAAAARE/nz25PbZJNM4/s1600-h/DSCN0790.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RrOruRwRz0I/AAAAAAAAARE/nz25PbZJNM4/s400/DSCN0790.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094604415014391618" border="0" /></a><br />And what's that on the table?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RrOrvBwRz1I/AAAAAAAAARM/bhwId-u-WUk/s1600-h/DSCN0792.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RrOrvBwRz1I/AAAAAAAAARM/bhwId-u-WUk/s400/DSCN0792.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094604427899293522" border="0" /></a><br />Yep, that's all that was left once I finished the Rusted Root. Let's take another look at those flowers shall we, as we contemplate the nervousness of working with such a small bit of excess?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RrOrvhwRz2I/AAAAAAAAARU/v2CGnJqloL8/s1600-h/DSCN0794.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RrOrvhwRz2I/AAAAAAAAARU/v2CGnJqloL8/s400/DSCN0794.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094604436489228130" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RrOrwRwRz3I/AAAAAAAAARc/vFc-gPXjzY8/s1600-h/DSCN0795.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RrOrwRwRz3I/AAAAAAAAARc/vFc-gPXjzY8/s400/DSCN0795.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094604449374130034" border="0" /></a><br />That's a little better.<br /><br />All in all, the sweater's done. Tomorrow I'm going to block it, as it has a few ladders in it and the sleeves are a bit tight, but for now I'm just enjoying it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RrOrwhwRz4I/AAAAAAAAARk/A4WG7PLrSTs/s1600-h/DSCN0796.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RrOrwhwRz4I/AAAAAAAAARk/A4WG7PLrSTs/s400/DSCN0796.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094604453669097346" border="0" /></a><br />P.S. Still hot as blazes around here. I could barely stand to put the silly thing on for a few minutes. Initial impression: the yellow might just work after all.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736224361480333265noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104678024808830763.post-64764912338491857542007-08-02T23:15:00.000-05:002007-08-02T23:35:51.105-05:0022!Twenty-two years ago today, I burst forth, late as usual.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RrKsoRwRzyI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/f9LOx8sP1Xk/s1600-h/DSCN0787.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RrKsoRwRzyI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/f9LOx8sP1Xk/s400/DSCN0787.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094323936470093602" border="0" /></a><br />Ha, let's not go there. We'll save that for the sentimental and lovingly critical guest blogging of the Mom. You know, when I fully explain what blogging is.<br /><br />Anyway, I've mostly recovered from the family and work stuff, just in time for my birthday and some time off. I'm sleeping, reading, knitting, catching up with some friends, and reading blogs. I found some great new ones, so check out the updated (again) link list. I'm sure that list will be a work in progress as I keep discovering all the talent and beauty out there. <a href="http://droppedstitches.blogspot.com/">This </a>and <a href="http://mayflwr.typepad.com/">this</a> are especially drawing my attention right now.<br /><br />Thanks for all your notes while I was away; I think we all need a breather once in awhile. Not that this space is a chore: even in the short time that I've been blogging I've loved every minute of it and wish I could devote more time to it, but at least for me, I sometimes need to give myself permission to put things on the back burner for a little bit.<br /><br />I've been knitting like crazy these past couple of days and I'm almost done with the Rusted Root. So close I'm doing the inevitable race as I try to knit faster than the yarn (how does that make sense at all?). In the next day or so I'm hoping to finish it and show it off, especially now that it's so HOT. After a relatively cool spell, we're back into what a Chicago summer usually feels like.<br /><br />You'd think with me being born in the summer I'd be loving it, but I can't help but feel <span style="font-style: italic;">sticky</span>, all the time. And we all know that feeling of wanting to have nothing to do with the pile of knitting that would be on your lap. I'm trying to win out, but tomorrow I'll probably have to cave and find some good air conditioning.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RrKsoxwRzzI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/OKjs25xK1xw/s1600-h/DSCN0789.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RrKsoxwRzzI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/OKjs25xK1xw/s400/DSCN0789.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094323945060028210" border="0" /></a><br />Maybe that's what I should have wished for - a good breeze.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736224361480333265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104678024808830763.post-26695642534898143522007-07-24T23:29:00.000-05:002007-07-24T23:36:05.308-05:00Pause<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RqbS7ajXfhI/AAAAAAAAAQs/ha8NILxH6c0/s1600-h/recharge.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RqbS7ajXfhI/AAAAAAAAAQs/ha8NILxH6c0/s400/recharge.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090988346970701330" border="0" /></a><br />I wish I was taking some time off to write a book, or because I had just written a book, or because I was going on a cruise, or camping in the mountains, or because I was moving across the country to set up a new life, but sadly, there's nothing close to that exciting on my horizon.<br /><br />I need to take some time to take care of some family issues and also to deal with some stressful time at work. A lot has been happening in my life recently (though none of it interesting, amusing, or knitting related enough to blog about), and blogging (or at least thinking about and planning for blogging) has become a chore like so much of the rest of my life. I need to get some work done and recharge my batteries a bit.<br /><br />I think knitting will play a big part in me getting back on track, so I hope to be back in a week or two with some knitting progress and joy to share. In the meantime, enjoy the summer! The cool fall will be here before we know it.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736224361480333265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104678024808830763.post-4148514235534617152007-07-19T23:12:00.000-05:002007-07-19T23:22:29.913-05:00Harry<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RqA29WLyxVI/AAAAAAAAAQk/h5ZAP4NtMi4/s1600-h/harry+potter.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RqA29WLyxVI/AAAAAAAAAQk/h5ZAP4NtMi4/s400/harry+potter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089128006483625298" border="0" /></a><br />Tomorrow (though technically Saturday) marks the midnight release of the 7th and supposed final book in the Harry Potter series, and I for one will be glad when it's over. Not only because of the extra work and grumpy customers I've come across in the past few days, but because I'd love to return to a world where everyone is interested in, and reading, different books. <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/13/AR2007071301730.html">Here's</a> a great article written by someone much more articulate than me.<br /><br />I will say, though, that I've never seen a series of books or movies do so much for knitting. Both incarnations treat knitting as an integral part of life that represents domesticity and love, and while the knitted objects themselves weren't always treasured, they were recognized for what they meant, and I think that's really great. I hope everyone can appreciate the knitters in their lives, maybe not for the finished products, but for what all those yarn loops mean: great affection.<br /><br />And if you need some Harry Potter inspired affection, there's no better place than <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Charmed-Knits-Projects-Harry-Potter/dp/0470067314/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-8859067-2408729?ie=UTF8&s=books&amp;qid=1184905314&amp;sr=8-1">this book</a>.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736224361480333265noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104678024808830763.post-88634194731732218732007-07-18T15:11:00.000-05:002007-07-18T15:22:57.686-05:00BagsAs they say, you can never have too many bags. I've always loved containers of any kind - boxes, baskets, pockets, jars, and bags. Of course, I've never been very good at fashion or wearing the latest style, but in a bit of research I've done, there aren't that many great knitted bags out there. I think we have the nature of the fabric against us - crochet can produce a much less stretchy fabric great for bags - but still. Knitting is so amazing and beautiful that it must be able to create some great bags.<br /><br />I'm trying to whip up a little clutch pattern, something I'd definitely carry around and something I think is pretty cute and fun. It's in the picture there, the little purple thing.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/Rp50jWLyxUI/AAAAAAAAAQc/Sjn-Ihmf01s/s1600-h/DSCN0778.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/Rp50jWLyxUI/AAAAAAAAAQc/Sjn-Ihmf01s/s400/DSCN0778.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088632779574527298" border="0" /></a><br />I'm also working on one of the handbag patterns from Amy Karol's new book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bend-Rules-Sewing-Essential-Guide/dp/0307347214/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-8859067-2408729?ie=UTF8&s=books&amp;qid=1184790020&amp;sr=8-1">Bend-the-Rules Sewing</a>, and I'm loving how it's turning out. I'm using some linen and batik leftovers, so it's also great for the budget.<br /><br />Pretty soon I'll be off and running with some cool new accessories. What are your favorite bag patterns? I'm always up for knitting a few more.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736224361480333265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104678024808830763.post-76559702313548347722007-07-12T22:52:00.000-05:002007-07-12T23:27:36.645-05:00I Told You it Was ComingA little friend visited today:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/Rpb6fWLyxRI/AAAAAAAAAQE/MHIW-zSKsU0/s1600-h/DSCN0756.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/Rpb6fWLyxRI/AAAAAAAAAQE/MHIW-zSKsU0/s400/DSCN0756.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086528245599487250" border="0" /></a>It's amazing how much happier and lighter you can feel after seeing a butterfly. Maybe that's a little girly, but I was in a bad mood when I saw this guy and then instantly I felt better, like there really is beauty in the world.<br /><br />Speaking of beauty, I have something to show you:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/Rpb6gGLyxSI/AAAAAAAAAQM/mo8SOaV-Dtk/s1600-h/DSCN0761.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/Rpb6gGLyxSI/AAAAAAAAAQM/mo8SOaV-Dtk/s400/DSCN0761.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086528258484389154" border="0" /></a><br />Let me introduce the Honeymoon Cami, something that had layed in my works in progress basket for almost a year before I got off my butt and finished it. I'm so glad I did. The pattern description warns that you will bare a lot of skin wearing this, but I think I made the straps on mine a little too long, making it show way too much off. Of course, I could have ripped back and fixed the strap length, but I like how long it is and how it looks over another tank.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern:</span> <a href="http://www.knitty.com/issuespring04/PATThoneymoon.html">Honeymoon Cami</a>, from the Spring 2004 issue of <a href="http://www.knitty.com/">Knitty.</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn:</span> <a href="http://knitpicks.com/Main+Line_YD5420141.html"></a><a href="http://knitpicks.com/Main+Line_YD5420141.html">KnitPicks' Main Line</a>, in Dusty Purple. I believe I used 8 skeins to make the 36" chest size.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Needles: </span>Denise interchangables, US size 8.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Modifications: </span>Virtually none. I lengthened the body (between the hip decreases and bust increases) some, but I wish I had done more. I also wish I had used short rows in the bust area because I think it would have fit me better, but overall, I'm very happy with how this turned out.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/Rpb6gWLyxTI/AAAAAAAAAQU/kbcqe6y3mvM/s1600-h/DSCN0768.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/Rpb6gWLyxTI/AAAAAAAAAQU/kbcqe6y3mvM/s400/DSCN0768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086528262779356466" border="0" /></a><br />Here's a detail shot of the eyelet rib at the bottom of the cami. I love this little detail to the simple design. I would definitely recommend this pattern, especially since it can be such a quick summer knit. The Main Line yarn was also great, and better than I expected. It still gave me that little cotton ache in my hands if I worked on this for too long in one sitting, but the finished fabric is nice and soft. It is pilling slightly, but so far not too much and I've been able to pick it off easily.<br /><br />I think I might try this again, or at least a modification of it to give myself some practice with short row busts, but I've really enjoyed wearing this so far. Plus, it makes me feel young, as I've been noticing all the tweens and super skinny teenagers are layering their tanks now. Huh, I'm actually on time with a trend this time. Go figure.<br /><br />P.S. It was really sunny when my wonderful sister took these pictures of me, but I was still shocked to see how white I came out. Still, my only colors seem to be white and red, so I'll try to be thankful that I don't look like a lobster.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736224361480333265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104678024808830763.post-53297865766958599792007-07-09T21:19:00.000-05:002007-07-09T22:07:50.991-05:00An ExplorationGoodness, this weekend was hot. So hot it was all I could do to hide in the air conditioning at work, swim, and convince myself that knitting with mostly cotton yarn isn't <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span> hot.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RpLtfJ-wAYI/AAAAAAAAAP8/4J62ENGiEvM/s1600-h/DSCN0752.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RpLtfJ-wAYI/AAAAAAAAAP8/4J62ENGiEvM/s400/DSCN0752.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5085388048765550978" border="0" /></a><br />The <a href="http://www.zephyrstyle.com/catalog/item.cfm/2367447/3289215">Rusted Root</a> is coming along nicely. I had to do a few adjustments so it could fit over my ample bosom, and then miscalculated and made too many increases, leading to a bit of frogging. I think I'm back on track now, helped along by the continuing discussion on <a href="http://www.knittingdaily.com/index.html">Knitting Daily</a> (if you haven't already signed up for the newsletter, you should because it's really great and the free pattern section is awesome). Sandi is knitting Wendy Bernard's cute little tee Tomato (featured in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/No-Sheep-You-Cotton-Delights/dp/1596680121/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-7701001-6404918?ie=UTF8&s=books&amp;qid=1184035197&sr=8-1">No Sheep for You</a>, as well as a free pattern for those who sign up with the site), and as a curvy gal, she's making some modifications to fit her better. With her help, I'm trying to do some bust darts in addition to the written waist shaping for the <a href="http://www.zephyrstyle.com/catalog/item.cfm/2367447/3289215">Rusted Root</a>. I'm not really a plus size girl, but I definitely have a pair of plus size girls, as in, <span style="font-style: italic;">the girls</span>. You know what I mean. So we'll see how that goes. I sort of guess on where to put the darts based on Sandi's pictures, but the beauty of top down patterns like <a href="http://www.zephyrstyle.com/catalog/item.cfm/2367447/3289215">Rusted Root</a> is that you can try them on to make sure they're perfect. And let me tell you, I love that. How else would I know that the top didn't fit me as written? It sure saves a lot of heartache and re-knitting later on.<br /><br />They say it's going to rain tomorrow and then should cool off. Let's see if I can work out those darts during the storm. Ah... perfect knitting weather. There's isn't anything much better than a summer thunderstorm.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736224361480333265noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104678024808830763.post-89541640648525379542007-07-04T22:55:00.000-05:002007-07-06T22:41:03.449-05:00Happy Fourth!In the midst of summer busy-ness, the 4th stands almost as a beacon of sanity, or at least it does for me, mostly because it's so predictable. This year I worked in the morning (with some not-so-happy customers, let me add: if you're going to insist on shopping on a major holiday for something that isn't neccessary to have, at least be nice to the people stuck waiting on you), but then went to a barbeque at Guy's house, another one at my house, and then to see some fireworks. Here I am sitting by the river the fireworks were near, in broad daylight because we wanted a good viewing spot, and passing the time happily with the <a href="http://www.zephyrstyle.com/catalog/item.cfm/2367447/3289215">Rusted Root</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RoxtM5-wAUI/AAAAAAAAAPc/YgpTKShWJY0/s1600-h/DSCN0711.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RoxtM5-wAUI/AAAAAAAAAPc/YgpTKShWJY0/s400/DSCN0711.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083558147884319042" border="0" /></a><br />Though, looking again, my photographer missed the knitting almost entirely in that shot. Ah well. It's not nearly as bit as I'd hoped. I realized soon after my last post that I had completely messed up the number of stitches I had allotted for the lace panel. I've always found it a little confusing to adjust for sizing in a pattern (doing the medium size, with numbers in parentheses, for example, rather than the first number I see), and that's probably where I went wrong. There is absolutely nothing wrong with row 5 as written: it's my brain that hasn't adjusted to working a lace pattern without a chart. I now have the correct number of stitches and I think the lace is going better. We'll see more when there's a more substantial amount of fabric.<br /><br />Thanks everyone for your suggestions about stitch markers. <a href="http://angelikas-yarn-store.blogspot.com/">Angelika</a> reminded me of the yarn loop method (just a bit of yarn tied into a circle), which I've used in the past. I think I'll try that or the rubber circles soon.<br /><br />Anyway, I hope you all had a wonderful holiday, full of the things and people you love. I know mine was, and made especially nice with a nice fireworks display:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RoxtNJ-wAVI/AAAAAAAAAPk/1pylwCScNVM/s1600-h/DSCN0724.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RoxtNJ-wAVI/AAAAAAAAAPk/1pylwCScNVM/s400/DSCN0724.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083558152179286354" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RoxtNZ-wAWI/AAAAAAAAAPs/MGXDzC6YnU4/s1600-h/DSCN0726.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RoxtNZ-wAWI/AAAAAAAAAPs/MGXDzC6YnU4/s400/DSCN0726.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083558156474253666" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RoxtN5-wAXI/AAAAAAAAAP0/2Vb0EqcXcOc/s1600-h/DSCN0741.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_mSDP0ZJza2A/RoxtN5-wAXI/AAAAAAAAAP0/2Vb0EqcXcOc/s400/DSCN0741.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083558165064188274" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there. </span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02736224361480333265noreply@blogger.com0